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Originally Posted by ChrisR1982Edin
I was talking to a friend of mine who is a long distance lorry driver. He says generally most lorry drivers would prefer to share the roads with bikers than car drivers. He says bikers tend to be more observant and considerate on the road, that and they don't get in the way [laugh]
When I ride I always hang back behind a truck and offset to the drivers side so that I can see the driver in his mirror, theory is that if you cant see him then he cant see you, and that's dangerous! I always give lorrys plenty room when over taking and don't cut in front of them once I'm past them, I always leave around 2 to 3 car lengths, depending on speed of course.
Iv seen several people overtake lorrys on the opposite side to the driver... that's not smart. The lorry driver cant really see you all that well in that mirror.
If you are approaching some traffic lights that are red and there is a lorry stopped at the lights in the center lane (of 2, one by the center line) what side do you overtake on in order to filter through? I was told by my lorry driver friend that I should overtake on the side where the drivers door is. That makes it easier for him to see you. If you are parallel to the driver BUT on the opposite side to the driver he might not be able to see you in his mirror. So when filtering through traffic I always do it on the side of where the driver is.
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Ciao Chris, and thank you for your valid input to the thread. [thumbsup]
Yes I too would rather share the road with most motorcyclist also. As a whole most bikers pay more attention to operating their vehicles as well as their surroundings. Although as with autos and some truck drivers, there are exceptions to the rule. Every group unfortunately has their share of "Meatballs, Squids, and Jerks" that give no thought what so ever about anyone's safety let alone their own. :P
The blind spot directly opposite the drivers door all the way to the front of the tractor, as well as back to apx. the rear tandem on the tractor is as your friend so accurately warned, is one of the most dangerous spots.
Mirrors cannot adequately cover this area, and the line of sight from the drivers seat is obstructed by the door, hood and fender of the truck itself.
Hanging out in this area or even passing through it slowly can put you in danger of being missed by the driver, and subsequently run over, or off the road.
While in the states we drive on the right side of the road, and drive from the left side of the vehicle. So the blind spot you are speaking of is directly along the right side of the tractor. In the UK and other countries where the road position, and drivers position are reversed then it would be on the left side of the tractor.
Your friend gave you good sound advise by telling you to pass on the drivers side of the truck/lorry. Just keep the differences in mind as you travel to different countries where the road position and drivers positions are the opposite. [thumbsup]
As far as over taking a Truck/Lorry in the center lane at a light, I agree with your friend. Try to pass on the drivers side. However keep in mind that the longer the Truck/Lorry the more "Off Track" for the trailers tires has to be allowed for by the driver when making corners.
Pay extreemely close attention to the signals on the Truck/Lorry, as some times the corners are so square and the available space to turn into forces the longer Trucks/Lorrys to set up very wide for their corners. Sometimes even a whole lane!
You don't want to get caught between the trailer and the corner it the truck is turning because the trailers tandems will run right over the top of you. In the US this happens on right turns. In the UK and countries where it is opposite, it occurs on left turns. Please keep this in mind in that scenario.
Thanks again for your imput. It is valid and very much appreciated. [clap]
